d.light

Snapshot

Stage 3: Proof of Concept

With DIV stage 2 funding, d.light design will design and pilot Pay-GO, which combines two significant innovations: 1) an upgradeable solar power system, and 2) an integrated pay-as-you-go consumer financing technology. Upgradability enables consumers to buy only as much light and power as they need and can afford initially, then allows them to add to their initial system when they need and can afford more, without obsoleting their initial outlay.

Focus Areas:

Economic Growth and Trade, Energy, Social & Micro Finance and 4 MoreSEE MORE

Innovation Description

To deliver quality, cost-effective and readily affordable everyday lighting and mobile charging solution.How does your innovation work?Pay-as-you-go financing technology makes this flexible product extremely affordable for consumers, with a low initial outlay and monthly payments amounting to what consumers would otherwise spend on fuel and mobile charging, so the system pays for itself through these savings. Once paid for (in a year or less), consumers own it and can redirect kerosene or diesel savings to more productive purposes. Pay-GO delivers a quality, cost-effective and readily affordable everyday lighting and mobile charging solution. To saturate an area for a successful launch, this proposal focuses on region surrounding the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

Planned Goals and Milestones

This will enable d.light to target likely early adopters comprising of two specific segments: i) rural and peri-urban off-grid families and small businesses with incomes of $1-$5 per day, who need grid-independent energy for lighting and mobile charging, and ii) salaried urban workers who want to provide an energy solution to their extended family living in off-grid peri-urban and rural areas.